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Bernard Shaw said that when you copy yourself, you know you've got style. And I feel that if you can write like you write, then you are true to yourself. And it's not an easy thing to do - it's a disgustingly difficult thing to do.

In modern novels, there is no one I want to copy. My style 'is a poor thing, but it is my own.'

You can't really copy what I do because I don't do anything.

I'd rather do my own performance than copy someone else's.

There was no one in particular I really tried to copy.

I was determined to carve out a music of my own. I didn't want to copy anybody.

Don't copy another writer's style, because that is not authentic, and that's how it will sound. You develop your style over your whole life and through countless influences. Don't impose something artificial.

You can't copy anybody and end with anything. If you copy, it means you're working without any real feeling.

To copy others is necessary, but to copy oneself is pathetic.